BACOLOD City — Residents experiencing problems with uncollected garbage may now report their concerns through dedicated hotlines and online platforms established by the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO), as the city intensifies efforts to improve waste collection services.
Mayor Greg Gasataya, in coordination with BENRO, said the move forms part of the city’s strengthened solid waste management initiative following the signing of a contract with a new private garbage collector consortium.
“We are very hopeful that challenges with regard to our garbage problem will be resolved,” Gasataya said during the ceremonial contract signing with International Solid Waste Integrated Management Specialists, Inc. (I-SWIMS) at the Bacolod City Government Center on January 1, 2026. The contract took effect after the expiration of the agreement with IPM-Construction and Development Corp. (IPM-CDC) on December 31, 2025.
Prior to the lapse of the previous contract, several netizens raised complaints on social media regarding uncollected garbage in various parts of the city, particularly in public markets.
Following the signing of the new contract, the incoming contractor immediately began operations, collecting tons of accumulated waste across affected areas.
Gasataya called on residents to support and cooperate with the city government in maintaining cleanliness. “With our united efforts, we can definitely have a cleaner Bacolod City,” he said.
For reports and concerns regarding garbage collection, the public may contact BENRO through the hotlines 0962-931-0125 and 0962-931-0563. Complaints may also be sent via email at benro.bacolod@gmail.com or through the Bacolod Environment and Natural Resources Office Facebook page.
The mayor encouraged residents to actively use these channels to enable authorities to respond quickly to problem areas and ensure more efficient garbage collection across the city.
The initiative is part of the local government’s ongoing campaign to enhance solid waste management and maintain community cleanliness. Gasataya emphasized that public cooperation plays a vital role in improving sanitation services, noting that timely reports help collection teams adjust routes and address concerns more effectively.
To facilitate immediate cleanup operations, around 60 compactors, garbage trucks, and other heavy equipment were deployed early Thursday morning.
“We are starting 2026 by immediately addressing one of the biggest concerns of our constituents—garbage collection,” Gasataya said. “We will continue to prioritize solid waste management and reliable garbage collection to achieve a clean and environment-friendly city.”
City officials reported that nearly 55,000 tons of garbage were collected on the first day of the year, January 1./PN
